Queensland on High Alert as Cyclone Threat Approaches

‘Winds of this strength can easily bring down tree limbs, whole trees or power lines, damaging fences, roofs and other properties.’

A fallen tree is seen laying across a street after the passing of Cyclone Yasi on February 3, 2011 in Townsville, Australia. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Tropical Cyclone Jasper is starting to intensify, bringing destructive winds and flooding as it approaches the Queensland coast.

The state’s far north is bracing for impact with the cyclone currently about 235km east of Cairns.